How to Cook Groats

Shelley Frost

About the Author:

Shelley Frost

Based in the Midwest, Shelley Frost has been writing parenting and education articles since 2007. Her experience comes from teaching, tutoring and managing educational after school programs. Frost worked in insurance and software testing before becoming a writer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with a reading endorsement.

Groats are the least-processed version of oats with only the husk removed. When cooked properly, the groats take on a nutty flavor with a chewy texture. Groats take longer to cook fully than rolled oats or other grains that are more processed. Whole grains are worth the extra cooking time because of the benefits they provide the body, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes along with improved digestive health. Cooked groats work well as a hot breakfast cereal or in place of other grains, rice and pasta.

Groat in a clay bowl.
(Image: Ira1609/iStock/Getty Images)

Step 1

Pour the oat groats and water into a large saucepan. Cover the pan with a lid. Let the groats soak for at least 1 hour. You can leave the groats to soak overnight if desired.

Step 2

Turn the burner on to medium-high heat when you are ready to cook the groats. Bring the groat mixture to a boil.

Step 3

Reduce the heat under the groats to the low setting. Leave the lid on the pan and cook the groats for about 45 minutes. Check the groats periodically during cooking to make sure they don't run out of water before they are cooked through. Add an extra 1/4 cup of water at a time if the water cooks out but the groats aren't finished cooking.

Step 4

Taste a bite of the groats to see if they are done. They should be chewy but not crunchy.

Step 5

Stir in a pinch of salt for savory groats, or cinnamon, raisins and nuts for sweeter groats. Add a sweetener such as honey, brown sugar or agave nectar if desired. Stir in a splash of milk for added creaminess.

Things You'll Need

1 cup oat groats

4 cups water

Saucepan

Lid

Salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup chopped nuts

Sweetener

Milk

Tip

Adjust the amounts of groats and water as desired for a larger or smaller serving. Keep the ratio of one part groats to four parts water. Experiment with different flavorings. For a savory groat dish, use chicken broth in place of the water. Cook a larger batch and save the leftovers for subsequent meals.